Grapes: 50% Carignan, 20% Grenache Noir, 20% Lladoner Pelut, 10% Mourvedre.
Region: France> Roussillon> Cotes-du-Roussillon-Villages.
Notes: Full-bodied, Cement fermentation, Certified Organic.
Description: Essencial may be understand as ‘essence’ or ‘heart,’ and the “Essencial” line from Dom. Des Schistes is from the heart of their operation. Local grape varietals grown on south facing schistous soil hillsides surrounded by garrigue herbs. Roussillon is an amphitheater of a region, bounded by the Pyrenees Mountains and opening on the Mediterranean Sea. From above, the winds effect the vines (Minstral from the Rhone Valley and Tramonte from the mountains), keeping the grapes in a state that intensifies their flavors. From below, schist soil imparts distinct minerality.
The estate is run by a father and son team, Jacques & Mickael Sires, with the son at the helm. The son studied winemaking in New Zealand and fuses his education with tradition to create his wines.
The nose pulls you in with earthy, black currant, and leather notes. The palette shows strong dark and red fruit; earthiness is exhibited, and undertones of minerality. Silky, minimal tannins.
Food Pairing: Steak, grilled, stewed, braised or sautéed red meats, lamb, veal, stews, game meat, casserole, charcuterie, heavy, pasta, etc.
